Communication can happen both verbally and non- verbally. For example when we talk to someone we are verbally communicating. When we express how
we
are feeling by the look on our face we are communicating
non-verbally. As we communicate with others it can
be positive or negative and effective or unsuccessful.

As a parent it is important to be able to
communicate in an open
and effective way. This skill, when applied, will strengthen and benefit the entire family.

Your child learns first from watching how you communicate with them and those around you.
If you can communicate well with others by
being clear, effective and open, chances are so will your child. Helping your child to develop and use good
communication skills will benefit them for their entire life.

As your child begins to form their own ideas, thoughts, emotions, feelings, imagination and
dreams about themselves and
the world around them it is based mainly on how you and others communicate with them. You are the most important and first teacher your child will have.

When you
communicate openly and effectively
with
your child you are showing them respect and also
teaching them how to respect you.
You are helping to develop within your child a
sense of
self-confidence and belonging.

Your child will gain many skills
from the way you communicate with them. Most
of all they will learn that they
have the means of speaking
up for
what they need, expressing empathy and
compassion and developing trusting relationships.

Ways to Communicate

Setting the stage
for
open, effective communication can be
done
by being
present
when your child just wants to talk or if they have questions. Being present means you
are willing and able to listen attentively.
Providing love, understanding and acceptance creates the perfect climate for a child to feel free to share how they feel,
what they
think
and what
their
concerns, worries and joys are. Find creative ways to show your child that
you
love
and accept them
and
that you desire to hear what they think and feel. You can do this verbally
and nonverbally.
Send positive messages to your child.
Simply put: Catch your child doing the right things! Be
consistent with what you say. Make sure that your words are true and that you will do what you are saying.
Be aware of your
body language as well as your facial expressions and tone of voice.

Little Treasured
Moments

Little Treasured Moments is a play group that is offered
for
parents and their children ages 4 to 7 year olds. We present the group with a story time and activities that are related to the story.

In March we are happy to announce that we will be offering this
program using the book: Dragons Love Tacos [Adam Rubin, Daniel Salmieri].

The agenda for this day will
include an interactive art project; activity/game time; follow
the recipe snack time AND a music, movement and/or dance activity that all connect back to the theme of the story.

This group is
limited to 12 families.
Please register as soon as
possible. For more information please call the office at:
(309) 264-5184

Cost: $10.00

Project: Peaceful Solutions

Peaceful Solutions is geared for children ages 8-13.
The project looks at
issues surrounding bully prevention; building on
communication and problem solving techniques and skills; community enhancement;
and equality, justice and safety.

The program will offer a
number of
different opportunities
for your child
to express their thoughts and ideas clearly, respectfully and effectively.

Our goal is to begin this program by the end of March and it will run for 8 weeks for 2 hours each Saturday. The group is limited to 10
children Please register your child as soon as possible.

For more information please call the office at: (309)

264-5184

Cost $2500

EMBRACE Equality; Motivating
Behaviors;

Responding through

Action; Cooperation and Empathy

This program is for teens 14 -18 who would like to work on projects that will promote community; diversity;
civil
rights and
strengthen social skills and family and personal relationships.

Embrace will run for 8 weeks for 2 hours one day a
week. The group is limited to
12 teens. Please register your
teen
as
soon as possible.

For more information please call the office at: (309)

264-5184 Cost $25.00

Parenting Education Classes

Parenting Education and
Support Classes will be offered starting in
March 2017. Each group meets for a
total of 12 weeks, two hours each week and participants are required to participate in class, do homework assignments and write and complete action plans.

Each week participants will address both formal and informal parenting issues;
work on relaxation skills; learn new techniques on how to problem solve, brainstorm new ideas and
other important skills that will strengthen
their families.

Groups offered will include:

Teen Pregnancy and Parenting Classes

Adult Parenting Classes

Court Ordered Parenting Classes

Please register as soon as possible. For
more information please call the office at: (309) 264-5184

Cost $10.00 (each session) OR $100 for all 12
sessions if paid in full at intake.

Private Sessions are
available for $35.00 a session with
Julia Mitchell-Hoffman, Behaviorist and
Pastoral Counselor